Srinagar, April 16 -- The United States has announced tariffs of up to 245 per cent on Chinese imports, citing retaliatory actions by Beijing as the reason for the steep hike. The White House confirmed the development on Tuesday, further intensifying the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants.

The move comes as President Donald Trump approved a new investigation into potential national security risks associated with the US' dependence on foreign imports of critical minerals, such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, and rare-earth elements. These materials are crucial for producing smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, and military equipment. The White House warned that over-reliance on foreign sources could lead to "serious, sustai...